Your eyes are the windows to your soul. Wouldn’t it be nice for your eyes to appear vibrant and youthful? It is time to transform your droopy bags into rested glowing windows you are proud to show off.
Blepharoplasty is the surgical artform of repairing droopy eyelids by removing unwanted skin and muscle fat from your ocular region. In fact, eyelid surgery ranks in the top five most common cosmetic surgery procedures. With age your skin stretches and fat accumulates underneath your eyelids. As a result your eyebrows, upper lids, and “eye bags” begin to droop. In addition to aging your appearance, excess skin around your eyes can have detrimental affects on your peripheral vision. Dr. O’Daniel is an expert at performing midface rejuvenation on his patients in order to restore volume to the eyes, improve vision, and eliminate sagginess.
PREPARATION
Preparation for Blepharoplasty involves honest communication between you and Dr. O’Daniel. You will need to thoroughly review your medical history so you are ready to discuss and inform Dr. O’Daniel of all prior and present surgeries, conditions, illnesses, and allergies. You will also need to explain your expectations regarding the procedure. Expect Dr. O’Daniel to perform a physical examination and eyelid photo scan in order to create the best outcome. Factors he will consider include: tear production, peripheral vision, skin surface, and short term and long term reactions to the procedure.
In the weeks leading to your surgery you will need to flush your body of certain medications and supplements including but not limited to: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and herbal enhancements. If you are a smoker, you will want to nip this habit in the bud so that you can allow your body to heal properly after the operation. Stop drinking alcohol at least a week before your surgery. Like smoking, alcohol can have a negative impact on the healing process. Alcohol also works as a blood thinner and can contribute to excess bruising and bleeding during the procedure and recovery.
Blepharoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time. Blepharoplasty is a solution for those with struggling with: under-eye bags, droopy eyelids, excess skin on lower or upper eyelids, and excess skin showing white or purplish discoloration. Blepharoplasty can also be combined with other facial procedures such as face or brow lifts.
It is normal to be nervous in the days leading up to your procedure. However, rest assured that the majority of results leave patients satisfied and elated. Express any fears or concerns with Dr. O’Daniel so he can educate you on what is to come.
TYPES
Upper Blepharoplasty is an operation that removes fat and skin from your eye through minute incisions. Muscles may be tightened and a thin stitch is used to bring the skin together and heal within the eyelid crease.
Lower Blepharoplasty includes the tightening of muscles and removal of skin and fat below the eyelash line or inside the eyelid. Any incisions will be invisible once the healing process is completed. Lower eyelid surgery may be combined with laser resurfacing of the lid skin, which helps to reduce lines and wrinkles.
PROCEDURE
The Blepharoplasty procedure is typically performed using external surgical incisions on the upper and lower eyelids. In the beginning, Dr. O’Daniel will carefully plan out the incisions around your eyes. Anesthesia will then be applied and you will gently fall asleep or incur a general numbing sensation. Incisions in the skin will then be made using the natural creases of your upper and lower eyelids as guides. Scars will not be apparent as the incisions are made in the creases of your eyelids. During upper eyelid surgery Dr. O’Daniel will remove all unwanted skin from the eyelid and possibly remove part of the orbital septum. Dr. O’Daniel will access the fat pads just below your orbital septum to remove excess fat and move it to different areas around your eye. Any bleeding will be actively controlled and your incisions will then be closed. The procedure usually takes anywhere from one to three hours to perform and takes several weeks to months to heal.
POST SURGERY
You may experience temporary side effects such as: puffiness, numbness around the eyelids, swelling, redness, watering eyes, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light, and pain. It is important for you to avoid heavy lifting or strain for several days following your surgery to prevent further side effects or damage to your results. Keep your eyelids clean and use any recommended eyedrops or ointments your doctor suggests. If you use contact lenses, make plans to wear glasses for the next several weeks. Avoid rubbing your eyes and use ice packs to reduce swelling. It may also be a good idea to keep your head elevated while you sleep. In the event you feel chest pain, severe bleeding or vision issues call Dr. O’Daniel immediately.
RESULTS
Blepharoplasty can and will change your life for the better! People report looking younger, appearing more rested, and experiencing a boost of confidence. Remember eyelid surgery is not meant to change the structure of your eyes, however it will allow for subtle changes resulting in eyes that look more open and more refreshed. Eyelid surgery has a 94.2% patient satisfaction rating so feel secure in your decision. Also keep in mind full results may take up to a year. Your eyes are one of the most sensitive physical regions and swelling will take time to reduce. Let the recovery process take its course and take time to rest.
TESTIMONIALS
Tracey, a patient of Dr. O’Daniels states “the results, which I didn’t think was possible, were incredible”. Tracey says “I had a genetic predisposition to a little heavier eyelid before somebody of my age would really see some drooping. I had some drooping so I did the upper lift which consisted of taking just a little bit of skin off the top.” Tracey admits “It can be a very frightening experience…I was very nervous about it”, however Dr. O’Daniel put her at ease. “Seeing what he has done, I know that he’s very meticulous. He’s very conservative so I didn’t have to worry about coming out and looking different, or not like myself. Just more improved, rested version of myself. That’s what I feel like he accomplished.”
Reed Yadon, states his experience “has been truly life-changing”. “The results of my time with Dr. O’Daniel achieved everything I sought and more. I could have gone anywhere or to anyone for my desired procedures, but once I began to educate myself on the best options available, the choice was easy.”